Roger Craig revealed throughout his induction speech into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame that he has vascular dementia.
The previous San Francisco 49ers star working again spoke in a prerecorded video message whereas he sat on stage carrying his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday. Offered by former teammate Jamie Williams, he obtained a standing ovation from the gang and hugs from the various Corridor of Famers on stage.
Almost eight minutes right into a nine-minute speech, Craig introduced his analysis, saying his medical doctors imagine “it might be associated, no less than partially, to the concussions” he skilled throughout his enjoying profession.
“The modifications had been gradual,” Craig mentioned. “At first, they had been straightforward to dismiss as regular ageing. Over time, my household observed, too.”
Signs of vascular dementia, in keeping with the Mayo Clinic, embody: confusion; hassle discovering the appropriate phrases; problem paying consideration; hassle organizing ideas or actions; problem planning and following by means of with plans; slowed pondering; uncertainty about what to do subsequent; and reminiscence points.
RELATED STORY | School sideline collisions contributed to 1 demise and different severe accidents
“Two issues could possibly be true,” Craig mentioned. “Soccer gave me alternatives past something I can think about. It helped form the person I turned. On the identical time, we all know extra right this moment about mind well being than after I performed. I hope sharing my story encourages folks to concentrate to their well being and search assist when one thing doesn’t really feel proper.
“I need folks to know that this analysis doesn’t outline me. I’m nonetheless Roger Craig. I’m nonetheless a father, nonetheless a husband, a teammate, a buddy and somebody who loves this sport and the individuals who introduced it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one household or one former participant, then it’s price it. Soccer gave me every little thing: alternative, self-discipline, lifelong associates and the platform to develop as a person. This honor belongs to my mother and father who began all of it.”
Chosen by the 49ers within the second spherical of the 1983 draft as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig turn out to be one of the versatile gamers in league historical past.
He excelled as a runner, receiver and blocker, serving to the 49ers win three of their 5 Tremendous Bowls.
In 1985, Craig turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to have 1,000 yards speeding and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Participant of the 12 months in 1988.
“Once I discovered that Invoice Walsh wished me, that meant one thing as a result of he noticed one thing in me that others didn’t,” Craig mentioned. “He didn’t simply need a working again, he wished a whole soccer participant. He trusted me to do regardless of the group wanted. That’s why a 1,000-yard speeding, 1,000-yard receiving season means a lot to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We had been chasing wins. I didn’t notice I used to be making historical past. It simply felt like we had been doing one thing particular as a group. Wanting again, I can respect how tough it’s and the way few gamers have finished it since.
RELATED STORY | How the NFL is working to stop concussions and shield gamers
“What means probably the most is understanding we helped develop what folks thought a working again could possibly be. None of that occurs with out nice teammates. What made these 49ers groups particular: We weren’t egocentric. We didn’t care who received the credit score. We cared about successful.”
Craig was chosen from the seniors class and entered the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame Class of 2026 with Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.
